Just like new iPhone and iPod Touch, Apple does have plans to provide something new for Mac users, and they were reportedly planning to launch MacBook Air’s Black model in the market. But unfortunately, it’s not going to be released anytime soon.
According to an anonymous Apple employee’s email, Apple team was testing black powder-coated MacBook Air models in their labs, but somehow they figured out that the coating socks up body oils, which is obviously not good as far as user experience is concerned. This employee also states that Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs was not happy with the test results and that’s why they shelved the entire project.
Here’s the email -
The rumors that the next iteration of the MBA’s will have an optional black finish is grounded in truth.
We tried to powder coat the Air’s (and Pro’s for that matter) in black as a test run. There are more than a few floating around campus.
The coating looks good and holds up well, but it also soaks up body oils, making the palm rest look pretty gross. Ultimately that is the reason that the top brass (Jobs) killed the idea… it was just too easy to make the computer look like crap.
At some point we may offer a black coating, but it won’t be powder coat, and it won’t be anytime soon.
Apple team may not announce it in public, and it’s difficult to believe “an anonymous”, but we know that Steve Jobs is very strict about the quality of the products. If it’s not up to the mark, he won’t approve it for any reason.
Now, you can’t do much about it. However, if you’re planning to buy a Mac Pro or Mac Mini in this summer, Apple is going to upgrade the products lineup soon.
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